Nigel Barge 10km 19/1/25
This race, hosted by Maryhill Harriers and was first run in January 1943. ‘The Barge’ as it is affectionately known is an undulating two lap course starting and finishing in the Garscube Sports Complex in Maryhill. The race commemorates Nigel Barge who was killed in action at the age of 23 in Dunkirk during World War II.
Robin, who must find it a challenge to run in the changeable climate of Scotland, as he has seemingly almost emigrated to Club la Santa, described the race as a tough 10k with 3 hills on the 2 looped course He may also have suggested that it was an absolute killer, particularly at the second time of asking. He did however run well in 46.27 and was happy with his run given the conditions. He finished as 7th V60 on the day.
Robin McAuslan – 46:27 (7th M60)
Acorn Trails Castlemilk 10km trail race 16/2/25
Steven Smith is a regular at the Acorn Trail Races. Advertised as Acorn’s “trailiest trail race.” The pre-race brief promised plenty of mud, plenty of elevation and importantly plenty of fun. Steven has been in a consistent training block for some time and found this event a tough challenge. You may recognise this one from the 6 o’clock News as the race famous for an imposter of a marshall and hidden signs sending runners the wrong way.This all seems like a harmless practical joke until potentially a runner has an accident or medical emergency.Steven described the race as “Extremely tough, probably over 80% highly technical.” In amongst the madness he managed to fall twice, the first fall resulting in a very sore and cut knee and scraped forearm. The trail had as promised, a lot of very deep mud and loads of trees to hurdle.
Steven Smith – 1:20:14
3k On the Green 28/2/25
Andy McCall made a return to the ever popular 3km on the Green held regularly within Glasgow Green. It is a popular quick run with its’ lunchtime start allowing those that work in and around the city to use their lunchbreak to take part. On a lovely day for a run Andy continued his recent excellent form, clocking an official time of 9.27, his quickest outdoor 3km and course PB.
Andy McCall 3rd, 9:27
Lasswade 10 mile road race 2/3/25
Viki Smith continues to race in the most unusual places and for Viki a 10 mile race is an unusually short distance. Viki has some awesome challenges in her race history and has some others lined up for the rest of the year also. She had a solid run and finished in 7th V50, 113th overall in a time of 84.19.
Alan Scally 5km Relays
8 Harriers headed to take part in the Alan Scally 5km relays. On a crisp day two teams were fielded. One in the male race and one mixed team. In the men’s race Lewis McCrae, Daniel Doherty, Chris Mooney and Neil Lafferty shared excellent performances on the day while in the mixed relay Stephen, Lynne and Evie Harrison(on her 18th birthday) were joined by honorary Harrison for the day Greg Luke.
Lewis ran the first leg, clocking an impressive 16.17 (a 15second PB) continuing his excellent run of form. Chris Mooney followed up with a great run in 17:02, his fastest 5km since September 2021 and is reaping the rewards of consistency and spending more time in the gym. How long until he adds a Hyrox patch to his collection? Daniel had another superb run, once more dipping under the elusive 17 minute barrier, in 16.51. Anchoring the team to overall 19th place, Neil set a blistering pace and crossed the line in 16.08.
Our mixed team was led off by Greg, finding his form once again, finishing in 20.08. Evie took over and clocked a distance PB, in an impressive 20.30. Lynne ran the third leg in 24.12 and hopefully will get over her niggles soon. Stephen brought the team home in a time of 19.14.
Barcelona Half Marathon 16th February 2025
Ryan McMonagle recently ramped up his training for London by heading to Barcelona for the half marathon. Having only started running 4 months ago he had a brilliant run, completing the course in 1.52.10. We look forward to seeing Ryan continue his progress as he heads towards the capital in late April.
Inverness Half Marathon
Neil Lafferty ran a great race at the Inverness Half Marathon, which doubled again this year as the Scottish National Championships, finishing in an excellent time of 75:40
Jack Crawford 10km
Steven Smith ran well at the Jack Crawford 10km, putting his consistent training to work, recording a time of 48:13.
Alloa Half Marathon
On a balmy spring afternoon a sizeable contingent of Harriers headed for the ever popular Alloa Half Marathon. First Harrier home on the day was Olivia Devine, slap bang in the middle of training for the Paris Marathon, who ran really well, finishing in 1.55.19, notwithstanding a 10km warm up to get her weekend long run in, in some style. Olivia has been nursing some niggles so it is excellent to see her managing to get back to business. Next home was the consistent Liza Brydon, despite not being at her best ran an excellent 1.55.58 and will hopefully be the start of better things to come for Liza. Next home were the almost inseparable Lauren Boyce(1.58.39) and Jill Turner(1.58.39). Both are deep into marathon training and put in excellent shifts that will hopefully help build their confidence as they build towards their big days. Sharon Black had another great run recording a PB over the distance in 2.02.39. Debbie McKenzie was disappointed to record her Personal Worst but still had a great day out doing what she loves and will I am sure be back at her best sooner rather than later. Father and daughter pair Graeme and Abbigael Crawford, finished close to each other and the results would suggest that dad Graeme won the sprint finish to retain bragging rights in the Crawford household. Adding to the number of Harriers and once again putting in a top class performance was Ali Baird, completing the tough course in 2.16.07.
Callander 10km
Representing the Club at the Callander 10km race were Aaron Fullerton, Claire Leung, Charlotte McKay, Rachel McDaid and Doris Heron. On the same day as the Alloa Half and similarly, a beautiful day for running all had great runs with the Charlotte once again coming first in her age category with and amazing 18 second PB.(1.02.15)
Supernova 5km
Where else would you be on a Friday night in March but running in the dark with a headtorch around the Helix Park, home to the famous Kelpies. Charlotte McKay, Alison Smart and Doris Heron were doing just that and had a great time. Looks like a fun race to add to the calendar.
The best wee running club in the west has runners of all abilities and the weekly sessions are a welcoming and structured way to take your running journey to the next level. Get in touch at greenockglenparkharriers@gmail.com to find out more. The club operate a 4 week trial where new members can come and see what all the fuss is about. Full adult membership is £70 and there are various options for couple, family groups etc.
Our next club race is the longest in the club year, the Docherty Cup, which takes place on Cloch Road and is a test of stamina over 10 miles. The Docherty Cup will be held on Saturday 5th April 2025.